An inquisitive cruise blood donor

I was on the Crown Princess in January/February 2023, a 15-day round trip to Hawaii from Los Angeles. Around 11 PM, the captain called for B+ blood donors with cards. A few people reported to the service desk, but most were turned away. I was escorted to the medical center, had my blood tested (along with a rather intense COVID test :sweat_smile:). They withdrew a pint and prepared it for transfusion. Since we were in the middle of the Pacific, no medivac was possible, so the captain sped up the ship, and the patient was offloaded in Ensenada. Just curious if anyone knows how he’s doing :thinking:

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Whoa! I’ve never thought to keep my contribution card on me in case I need to support someone in an emergency. I’ve placed an order for a replacement card, which I will be carrying going forward. I appreciate you taking this matter on and trying your best.

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@Mboks I now contribute every two months as a result of my experience as I was able to realize how crucial it was.

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@Jordan I had the same thought. I don’t believe I’ve ever actually owned a card. It’s time to make a request.

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@Meech How is a card obtained? I always contribute during the blood drive, but I was unaware of the existence of donation cards.

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@Mitchelle Request one from them.

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@Nidal Is it the Red Cross in America or somewhere else?

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@Mboks Another location is named Lifesouth.

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@Mitchelle the following URL: LifeSouth - Donor Portal

Give it a go! Perhaps the information will be present if you create an account.

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@Mboks Regards! It probably would have made sense for me to look there first, haha.

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@Mitchelle No problem!

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Red Cross in America.

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You may view your digital ARC card by going to My Account and clicking View My Donor Card on the American Red Cross website. You can also order an actual donor card there. I got mine in the mail on Monday but it took a few months before I actually got it.

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During a tour, the cruise director informed us that on a Holland America ship, they once had to call out for a donor at three in the morning in order to do emergency surgery.

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It was exactly what I was thinking. The donor card Vitalant gave me is not with me. As I have a B+ myself, I would have offered to donate in that circumstance.

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I appreciate your donation. I also added my Red Cross digital donor card to my Apple wallet because of you.

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@Banice Is your typography visible on yours? No, Google Wallet does not :weary:

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I find it amazing that so many individuals offered their time. :heartpulse:Did you receive payment for your contribution? Just inquiring.

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@Candy Towards the end of the voyage, a gift shop bag containing a Crown Princess model and a thank-you note from guest services was dropped off in my cabin.

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RT this on r/blooddonors with others. They will find it quite entertaining.

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